Written by Seth Stutman
Photos by Rob LeBlanc

Sponsored by East Village Place

Published in Longmeadow Neighbors (October 2022)

When we think of “college towns,” we think of Boston, Amherst, or Northampton. We think of dive bars, marching bands, and funky coffee shops. But amongst our Longmeadow Neighbors, and nestled in between historic Longmeadow homes, lives Bay Path University, an institution celebrating its 125th birthday. We caught up with one of your neighbors, a newer resident of Longmeadow, Sandra Doran, the 6th president of Bay Path University.

“Living in Longmeadow has been very much a phenomenal experience for [Doran’s husband] Steven, and our dog Gracie, a little poodle,” said Doran, looking back on the last few years.

The Doran family moved into Longmeadow in the midst of a global pandemic, but the family was impressed with how they were welcomed into town with open (but sanitized) arms. “It has been a warm embrace by this town,” she said.

Sandra Doran’s resume is prolific. Her work around the country includes stops as CEO at Castle Point Learning Systems, President of the American College of Education in Indiana, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, and more.

Doran also spent nearly a quarter of a century in the Boston area, working as National Policy Director for New England Board of Higher Education, as the Chief Legal Officer for Shaw’s Supermarkets, and at Lesley University in Cambridge, where she transitioned from the law into higher education, working as Chief of Staff, Vice President, and General Counsel during her tenure.

Directly before she arrived at Bay Path, Doran was the President of Salem Academy and College, the country’s oldest women’s academy, and it prepared her for for her work at Bay Path. “When I was in Winston Salem, it was also a women’s institution, so for me, aside from the pandemic, the mission of Bay Path, empowering women towards economic independence, and ensuring that our graduates are prepared for life - it’s been a fabulous transition.”

“We lived in the eastern part of the state for 20+ years, and it’s great to be in the Pioneer Valley,” said Doran. “We never realized the treasure that the Pioneer Valley is. We’ve gone to Mass MoCA, rode our bikes on the Connecticut River trails and hiked Mt. Tom. We’re looking forward to Tanglewood… the richness of this area, it’s a jewel.”

While Doran was unanimously elected by the Board of Trustees at Bay Path in 2020, it wasn’t until this past April that she enjoyed her official inauguration at Symphony Hall in Springfield. The event featured Mayor Sarno, Richard Neil, and Margaret McKenna, among many others, and proclamations and commendations from leaders around Massachusetts.

While Bay Path has been around for 125 years, it arrived in Longmeadow in 1945 and since then, has transformed into a world class university, appearing in publications like US News & World Report and Fortune Magazine for their innovative programs and offerings. More than 16,000 people can call Bay Path their alma mater, but Doran also focuses on the relationship between Bay Path and Longmeadow.

“She [former president Dr. Carol A. Leary] was deep into the fabric of the community, so when I arrived, Bay Path was well established in the community. That longevity (we’ve been here since 1945) has made the transition far easier than it might have been otherwise.”

Doran also understands the role that her students, alumni and faculty play in the ecosystem of the Pioneer Valley. “Lyn Simmons, Longmeadow’s Town Manager, is a Bay Path alumni,” said Doran. “Faculty have also become part of the fabric of the Longmeadow area, it’s a rewarding place to be. We also offer about 30 graduate programs that meet the needs of our communities and employers.”

Doran appreciates and values the past 125 years of Bay Path University, and has a grand vision for the future. “Bay Path having a trajectory of being innovative is very much something that we’re focused on.” Bay Path’s vision, as outlined in their strategic plan, summarizes Doran’s vision: “At Bay Path, every learner’s dreams of a better career, a richer life, and a brighter future will be realized.”

As a new school year begins, Doran feels content in the Pioneer Valley, where she can visit her grandchildren, and where she can walk Gracie on the abundance of sidewalks. “The students love Gracie and she has given us so much joy as we have walked around town, to the shops and on the green.”

Doran wants to open her doors wider to the community of Longmeadow, and share Bay Path’s 125 year story of success.